When it comes to turntables, there is a tendency to shy away from them as many people would assume that the price is hefty and hence not worth a look. In all honesty, that is not true! There are some quality turntables out there that you could purchase from Amazon and eBay and you would not break your bank at all.
But before we go into recommending the top 10 turntables that cost below $200, what are some of the things that you would need to look out for when you purchase the budget turntable?
Things To Look Out For When Purchasing Turntable On A Budget
When turntables are aplenty on various online shops as well as your regular brick and motor places, not many people would know how to choose the turntable that suits them. Here are some of the tips when it comes to choosing a turntable when on a shoestring budget.
- Budget – The purpose of our article is to choose a turntable that cost below $200. While there are many people who assume that a good turntable should cost more than $200, preferably in the range of $200 to $500, this is completely untrue. There are really many turntables that cost below $200, yet being able to produce sound and have features that rival that of the expensive models. But having said all these, the type and features of the turntables will be quiet dependable on your budget too.
- Style – The style of the turntable will be important too. Some styles will not suit your decor, while some vintage designs are extremely futuristic in design. There are a wide range of colors available too, so you are spoilt for choice here
- Features – Features to consider includes the platter, tonearm as well as stylus. Of course, the ability to change the speed of the turntable as well as the weight of the platter will be important things to consider too. Note that since we are recommending or purchasing a turntable that cost below $200, there are some features that might not be present in the turntable too. For example, some tonearms are fixed, while some turntables might not have a phono pre-amp. Also, what, there are essentially three main types of turntables. With a budget of less than $200, you will need to decide if you would want an automatic, manual, or semi-automatic turntable. The ability to control the tonearm as well as speeds might be things that you would want to consider.
- Sound Quality – While the sound quality of a turntable that cost less than $200 might not differ much from those that cost a bomb, you would need to be mindful that not turntables are the same. So, you can expect a lower quality of sound. Having said that, the quality of sound will be hugely dependant on your expectations. At least to me, should a turntable be able to produce a sound that can resonate through the room, I will be satisfied! I always test the sound quality by playing baroque classical music!
List Of The Top 10 Best Turntable Under 200
Now that you should know what are the things to look out for when purchasing a turntable, perhaps it is time for you to find out our top 10 recommendations for the best turntable under $200. Each of them are listed as it is without any particular order in terms of preference.
- Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable with Speakers
- Musitrend Mini Stereo Turntable
- Wockoder Turntable Vinyl Record Player
- ION Audio Max LP
- Victrola Modern 3
- ABOX Bluetooth Turntable
- Crosley C200A-BK Direct Drive Turntable
- Victrola Nostalgic Aviator Wood 8-in-1 Bluetooth Turntable
- Audio Technica AT-LP60BK
- Pioneer PL-990 Automatic Stereo Turntable
1. Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable with Speakers,
Quite interestingly, we started this website with the name usbturntable.net because we found that the existence of turntables that are small enough to be carried around easily. And the Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable with Speakers is one such model! One of the best budget portable turntable that cost below $200, it is really a joy to own such a model. Also, given its low cost as well as portability, this turntable is one of the best when it comes to gifting to a friend or family member!
Powered by a DC supply, you can easily bring this turntable around to your favorite place in the house, so long as there is a power supply. Having said that, I do know of the possibility of bringing this outdoors too, but hey, who play turntable while outdoors? No one really does that, do they?
In any case, it comes with three different speeds, hence it can play almost all of your favorite records effortlessly. And with the built-in speakers, you can be sure that the sound produced is of decent quality, yet not bursting your budget. Should you prefer to play your songs from your Bluetooth enabled device, you can always pair it with this Bluetooth turntable, and you can play your favorite music too! This is only possible due to the Bluetooth technology that is incorporated into the turntable itself. As such, it is not a far cry to nominate this turntable as the best turntable with built-in speakers eh!
Last but not least, when it comes to aesthetics, there are 19 different designs for you to choose from! Together with the 3.5mm aux-in as well as carrying handle, this might just be the perfect solution for the budget constrained audiophile and hence the one of the best portable turntable under 200!
Here is a video showing you a good review of the Victrola Vintage 3.
2. Musitrend Mini Stereo Turntable
One of the best vinyl player under 200, the Musitrend Mini Stereo Turntable is another popular choice for the budget constrained individual who wants an all-in turntable. Indeed, with the vintage outlook as well as the good quality of sound that is produced via its built-in speakers, you can be amazed by the sheer quality of this turntable.
You will be able to adjust the playing speed to three different RMPs, hence allowing you to play music of various genres. Note that this is not an automatic turntable, so you would need to adjust everything yourself. But nonetheless, it still works fine as a gift too!
Interestingly, you could also convert the songs from the vinyl records to mp3 files with the attached software. Of course, I would suppose that this is unnecessary. With the aux input and RCA output, you can either connect your device to this turntable to play music via the speakers, or you can connect the mini turntable to an external speaker for a louder volume.
In terms of aesthetics, this cool looking turntable comes in only 1 design, but it works well for us since the classic wood design really does give off a vintage vibe!
Here is a video showing you a user review of the Musitrend Mini Stereo Turntable.
3. Wockoder Turntable Vinyl Record Player
Considered a good turntable under 200, the Wockoder Turntable Vinyl Record Player is one of the top choices when it comes to a budget turntable that will suit your room’s decor. What makes it special is the die-cast aluminum platter as well as well as its anti-resonance ability. This means that the entire playback will be as smooth as possible.
The turntable itself has three speeds that allow you to play the 7″ to 12″ records. Though it is light in weight, the platter itself is heavy enough to avoid any disturbance in sound. The turntable has a dust cover that comes with it, hence keeping the turntable free from dust when not in use.
Perhaps one of the downsides is that it does not come with an inbuilt speaker, and hence the sound quality will be dependant on an external amplifier as well as the speakers.
4. ION Audio Max LP
The ION Audio Max LP is one of the best record player under 200 dollars that audiophiles would choose. This is indeed the truth, as the number of reviews on Amazon can be a testament to it.
The Max LP has one of the best styles for a turntable that does not cost a bomb. The turntable is able to play records in 3 speeds, ranging from 33 1/3 to 78 RPM, hence it will be able to play your records with ease. In addition to that, there are the in-built speakers that allow you to play your records too. If you want to play songs from other sources, you can connect the source to the turntable via the aux input too. Should you want to listen to the songs privately, you can plug your headphones into the turntable too.
As for the aesthetics, there is a dust cover that comes with this budget turntable. There are two designs to the Max LP, but we prefer the wooden version to the black version, as the former does add a tinge of vintage vibe to the overall feel, hence adding a dash of vintage to most modern designs and decor.
This Audio Max LP is one of the top turntables under 200!
5. Victrola Modern 3-Speed Bluetooth Turntable with 50 Watt Speakers, White Piano Finish
So far, we have yet to breech 100 dollars for the turntables, and the Victrola Modern 3 falls into the same category too. It is pretty amazing how the designers are able to incorporate the features all into this compact design, and yet keeping the cost lower for users.
One of the rare few turntables without a vintage look, its white design will be more apt for futuristic homes or homes with a simple decor.
The Victrola Modern 3 has 3 different selection of speeds for you to choose from. This, I guess, has become a standard across small portable turntables as developers want to cater to all records.
In terms of projecting the sound, there is the pair of 50-watt stereo speakers that comes with the turntable itself. Note that they are not in-built speakers. You are able to pair the speakers via Bluetooth to your Smartphone too, which will, in turn, allow you to stream music via Bluetooth to the speaker. Do note that the needle is made of metal and the cartridge base is made of ceramic.
Should you need a modern looking turntable, then the Victrola Modern 3 might be the best choice for you.
6. ABOX Bluetooth Turntable
The ABOX Bluetooth Turntable is one of the few turntables that plays records vertically instead of horizontally. But that does not discount its ability to play quality sound!
In terms of producing sound, it does have the built-in speakers that help to project the sound out. Also, the stereo speakers will be able to play songs via Bluetooth from your paired Smartphone. The needle itself is made from ceramic, which will help to prevent scratches on your records.
Being an automatic turntable, the song does automatically cut off at the end of the record itself. And being the only vertical turntable with a wooden finish, it will certainly fit well into most modern decor. If you are looking to purchase a turntable as a gift, this will surely be the top choice for you.
Perhaps we can let the reviewers on Amazon do justification to the awesome turntable that cost less than $200.
7. Crosley C200A-BK Direct Drive Turntable
The Crosley C200A-BK Direct Drive Turntable is widely regarded as the best direct drive turntable under 200. Usually, it would cost more than 200 dollars. But there are promotions ongoing in Amazon, and the price has dropped to below 200 dollars, hence it could appear in this list!
This is Crosley’s first foray into the direct turntable domain, and I would say that they are doing a pretty good job! With this, they are able to ensure that the motor could bring up the record faster and smoother than before. Together with the sharp Audio-Technica magnetic cartridge, you can be sure that the quality of the sound will be unwavering. Of course, if you would, you can also change the cartridge and counterweights to ensure that the S-shape tonearms could sustain the sound too.
Unlike most of the portable turntables that cost below 200, the C200A-BK can only play 2 speeds, which is the 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records. The platter itself is made of die-cast aluminum that is already damped due to the felt slip mat that is present. There is also the built-in switchable phono preamp that is incorporated into the design of this direct drive turntable. There are several controls on this turntable that you can use too.
All in all, this direct drive turntable is widely regarded in the turntable industry. We suggest that you keep a keen eye on this should you be in the market for a budget turntable.
8. Victrola Nostalgic Aviator Wood 8-in-1 Bluetooth Turntable Entertainment Center, Mahogany
Another good turntable that cost less than $200, the Victrola Nostalgic Aviator Wood 8-in-1 Bluetooth Turntable Entertainment Center has one of the best designs ever. It does not resemble the usual turntable, which itself can be good as it means that the turntable itself is unique!
Shaped as an old radio jukebox, you could open the top and it will reveal a turntable in it. It is indeed able to play all of your vinyl records as the turntable is able to play all 3 speeds that are usually made available to turntables. It does have the built-in speaker that is incorporated into the design.
If you wish, you could stream music wireless to your turntable via Bluetooth too. This best Bluetooth turntable that cost less than $200 is on the top models in its own category. You could also record the songs from the vinyl records directly to the USB drive too.
Apart from those, there is also the built-in CD player, cassette player (who uses cassette these days) as well as the radio capabilities. The entire old-fashioned vintage outlook makes it a plus point when it comes to purchasing this turntable as the design will surely fit most decor!
9. Audio Technica AT-LP60BK-USB
Audio Technica does produce turntables of good quality, and the Audio Technica AT-LP60BK is one such model! The materials used in the construction of this turntable is considered to be premium, and it is of wonder how did the company manage to reduce the cost such that it is affordable to the masses.
Being a fully automatic turntable, you can be assured that the tonearm and the stylus will not be accidentally damaged by you. Also, you could allow yourself to drift into deep sleep, knowing that the record will automatically be stopped once it comes to its end. The turntable is able to play at 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speeds. The built-in switchable phono preamp allows you to connect to a speaker for the best sound production ever.
It does have the Audio-Technica Dual Magnet phono cartridge that has a diamond stylus that is completely replaceable. Also, to ensure that there is zero disruption while playing, the platter itself is heavy enough to negate the random vibration. Also, since it is made of die-cast aluminum with anti-resonance properties, you can rest assured that you can enjoy the songs from your records without disruption.
Last but not least, the turntable itself has a modern look, hence it might not fit well into vintage designs.
10. Pioneer PL-990 Automatic Stereo Turntable
We all know that Pioneer is one of the most respectable brands when it comes to audio technology, so it is not surprising that they developed the Pioneer PL-990 Automatic Stereo Turntable
It has a 2 speed fully automatic operation which ensures that the components will not be damaged by any accidents that are caused by human intervention. The tonearm has a low-mass straight design that ensures the high resistance to resonance, which will then ensure a better and smoother tracking of the records. Also, the motor, which is the Pioneer Stable Hanging Motor, ensures that the entire production of sound is smooth too. The cartridge connector is universal, hence all records can be played.
How important is the cartridge and stylus when choosing a turntable under $200?
The cartridge and stylus are crucial components of a turntable’s sound quality, as they are responsible for reading the grooves on your records and translating them into sound. Even in the sub-$200 price range, there can be a noticeable difference in sound quality between different cartridges and stylus types. Generally, moving magnet (MM) cartridges are more common in this price range and offer good value for money, while moving coil (MC) cartridges tend to be more expensive but offer even better sound quality. When it comes to stylus types, elliptical and conical shapes are the most common at this price point, with elliptical being the preferred choice for better sound quality.
Is it possible to find a turntable with built-in speakers for under $200?
Yes, it is possible to find turntables with built-in speakers for under $200, but it’s important to keep in mind that the sound quality may not be as good as a turntable with external speakers. Built-in speakers can also limit your ability to upgrade your sound system in the future, as you’ll need to replace the entire turntable if you want to upgrade the speakers. However, built-in speakers can be a good option for those who are just getting into vinyl and don’t want to invest in a separate sound system yet.
What is the difference between a belt-drive and direct-drive turntable in this price range?
In the sub-$200 price range, belt-drive turntables are generally more common than direct-drive turntables. Belt-drive turntables use a belt to transfer power from the motor to the platter, which can help reduce vibrations and improve sound quality. Direct-drive turntables, on the other hand, have the motor directly attached to the platter and can offer more precise speed control. While direct-drive turntables are often associated with DJ use, there are some affordable direct-drive turntables available for home use as well.
Are there any turntables under $200 that come with a preamp built-in?
Yes, there are turntables under $200 that come with a built-in preamp. A preamp is necessary to boost the signal from your turntable to a line-level output that can be connected to a receiver or amplifier. Some turntables have a switchable preamp, which allows you to use the turntable with or without the preamp depending on your setup. If your receiver or amplifier has a built-in phono preamp, you can also choose a turntable without a built-in preamp and save some money.
FAQs
Q: Can I connect these turntables to my existing sound system?
A: Yes, most of these turntables have RCA outputs that can be connected to any sound system with RCA inputs.
Q: Do these turntables require any special setup or maintenance?
A: While some turntables require more setup and maintenance than others, all of the turntables on this list are relatively easy to set up and maintain. Just make sure to keep your records and turntable clean and properly stored.
Q: Can these turntables play 78 RPM records?
A: Some of these turntables can play 78 RPM records, but not all. Make sure to check the specifications of each turntable to ensure that it can play the type of records you have.
Conclusion
With that, we have listed out top 10 reviews of the best turntables under 200. You should always choose the one that you like the most, and if you follow our guidelines stated above, you will never go wrong!
